Was this absolution valid?

[CarrieH]

This morning I went to Reconciliation and they had a guest priest hearing our confessions. He rushed through, doing just the bare minimum (no counsel or words of reassurance of God’s love or anything like that such as the regular priest does). When it came time for him to give me my absolution, he whispered it very quickly and I’m not sure of what he said or if he even said the whole absolution. He also had a thick European accent, and he whispered so softly that I couldn’t even tell if he was speaking English, Latin, Polish, or some other language. I’m wondering if this was valid, and since I have no way of determining what he said, do I need to mention these sins again the next time I go to confession, or can I just trust that he did things properly and my sins are forgiven?

Thanks in advance for your advice, and God bless!

 

[Teeliumtrozzle]

I think you are forgiven-Every Priest has a different way of doing things, and that was probably his, especially if he didnt speak english fluently.I dont think you need to do it again, but if you are uncomfortable, then do.God bless.

 

[Fergal]

Funny. I had a scruple about my Confession this morning too. Instead of saying “I absolve you” my Priest said “I forgive you.”

I had a few moments of am I or am I not?? Until I came to my senses and realised that I must be since my intention was right.

Is to forgive that same as to absolve? I think it is. I hope it is. Oh there I go again…

 

[palmas85]

This morning I went to Reconciliation and they had a guest priest hearing our confessions. He rushed through, doing just the bare minimum (no counsel or words of reassurance of God’s love or anything like that such as the regular priest does). When it came time for him to give me my absolution, he whispered it very quickly and I’m not sure of what he said or if he even said the whole absolution. He also had a thick European accent, and he whispered so softly that I couldn’t even tell if he was speaking English, Latin, Polish, or some other language. I’m wondering if this was valid, and since I have no way of determining what he said, do I need to mention these sins again the next time I go to confession, or can I just trust that he did things properly and my sins are forgiven?

Thanks in advance for your advice, and God bless!

Don’t worry about it. Many Priests say the absolution very softly, particularly if they say it in Latin. If you had the right intent, you confessed truthfully, completely, with no purpose of evasion a firm purpose of amendment and a desire to reform your life, I think you are good to go.

 

[Sir_Knight]

Funny. I had a scruple about my Confession this morning too. Instead of saying “I absolve you” my Priest said “I forgive you.”

I had a few moments of am I or am I not?? Until I came to my senses and realised that I must be since my intention was right.

Is to forgive that same as to absolve? I think it is. I hope it is. Oh there I go again…

Remember, Christ said whose ever sins YOU forgive, will be forgiven them.